New Meadowlands Stadium Receives Official Green Light from NFL to Bid for Super Bowl

After receiving preliminary approval to bid from the National Football League, the future home of the New York Jets and New York Giants is mounting a full-scale campaign to capture the hosting rights for Super Bowl 2014, the New Meadowlands Stadium Company announced today, December 17th, 2009.

Future Home of the Giants and Jets Becomes Host Contender for Super Bowl XLVIII in 2014

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – After receiving preliminary approval to bid from the National Football League, the future home of the New York Jets and New York Giants is mounting a full-scale campaign to capture the hosting rights for Super Bowl 2014, the New Meadowlands Stadium Company announced today. The new stadium, which plays host to its first NFL season in 2010, got the go-ahead from the NFL owners' Super Bowl Advisory Committee. The committee approved the New Meadowlands Stadium's application to bid despite the traditional requirement that Super Bowl host regions have a minimum temperature of 50 degrees or a climate-controlled indoor stadium with the understanding that the bid would be a unique, once-only circumstance based on the opportunity to celebrate the new stadium and the great heritage and history of the NFL in the New York region.

A preliminary proposal to the NFL is due April 1, with the winning bid announced at the end of May. Three other venues have expressed their intention to compete for the hosting rights.

The economic impact of a New York/New Jersey Super Bowl would be substantial to the area, generating hundreds of millions of dollars in economic activity, and serving as a major boost for the area, creating hundreds of jobs related to staging the game and accommodating visitors and attendees. The bid has the strong support of the political leadership of New York and New Jersey, including New Jersey Governor-elect Chris Christie, New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine, New York Governor David Paterson and New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg. The Bid Committee will be chaired by Woody Johnson, Chairman and CEO of the Jets, and Jonathan Tisch, Co-Chairman of Loews Corporation and Treasurer of the Giants.

"It's time for the biggest game in football to be played on the biggest stage in the world," said Woody Johnson and Jonathan Tisch, Bid Committee Chairmen. "We are confident that the appeal and prestige of the New York City metropolitan region, coupled with the innovative capabilities of our brand-new state-of-the-art facility, can provide a unique and exciting experience for the teams and fans, as well as the entire league and the sport of football. And, of course, we would love to bring the Super Bowl – and its significant economic benefits – to New York and northern New Jersey."

The New Meadowlands Stadium is unique as the first stadium constructed to serve as the home stadium of two NFL teams. As such, it will play host to 20 NFL games per season, more than any other venue. It also holds the distinction of being the largest privately financed stadium in U.S. history.

"The National Football League and our organization are blessed with a great tradition in the metropolitan New York region, and the Giants and Jets new home is a continuation of that tradition," said John Mara, President and CEO of the New York Giants. "Our building playing host to the Super Bowl in 2014 would allow our organizations and this region to celebrate that tradition with our biggest game, and we welcome the opportunity to work with our community to make that happen."

"If there's one thing that football fans from across the country can agree on, it's that the sport deserves a championship game played in the biggest spotlight," said Woody Johnson. "We are deeply appreciative to the NFL for granting our stadium eligibility and for bringing a long-awaited dream one step closer to reality."

"Even though our stadium is months away from completion, with this bid, it is setting an early precedent of what's to come," said Steve Tisch, Chairman and Executive Vice President of the New York Giants. "The stadium's quest to host Super Bowl XLVIII is a testament to our commitment to serve as a beacon for the very best."

If New York/New Jersey-bound, Super Bowl XLVIII will join an ever-growing list of national and international events held in the New York metropolitan area, including the U.S. Open, Belmont Stakes, New York City Marathon, the NCAA's March Madness, Hambletonian, Grammy Awards, Tony Awards, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and New Year's Eve in Times Square.

The Super Bowl would join an already impressive list of significant events to be held at the New Meadowlands Stadium, including highly anticipated college football matchups of Navy vs. Notre Dame and Army vs. Rutgers, and stops on the Bon Jovi and U2 world concert tours.

Upon completion in 2010, the New Meadowlands Stadium will set the standard for venue excellence, with state-of-the-art technology, comfort and amenities. With a seating capacity of 82,500, the New Meadowlands Stadium will be the third-largest stadium in the National Football League. Highlights include four massive 30 x 118 foot HD video display boards in each of the stadium corners; a 48" x 2200' ribbon board that circles the interior bowl; 2100+ HD Monitors throughout the stadium; and 20 HD video pylons ranging in size from 20"X40" to 20"X60."

Outside the stadium, a 350,000-square-foot outdoor plaza will boast fan-centric activities and pregame entertainment zones. A signature amenity of the stadium will be the brand new rail line that will drop off passengers directly in front of the stadium.